Leather is one of the most versatile materials in fashion, lending itself to everything from pants and jackets to accessories like shoes, belts, watch bands, bracelets, handbags, and more.
Few materials carry the same appeal and status as genuine leather when it comes to fashion. In addition to being durable, protective, and long-lasting, consumers love the material because it gives the impression of wealth, luxury, and status.
But leather accessories also come with high expectations. Shoddy craftsmanship and low-grade materials are not going to pass by unnoticed by your target consumers.
If you’re a brand or retailer that sells leather fashion accessories, producing a truly high-end product is necessary if you want it to sell. And that means paying special attention to quality control during the leather manufacturing process.
Quality control should begin with the inspection of the incoming leather materials. This is referred to as Pre-Production Inspection (PPI) and it generally takes place before constructing the final product.
During the PPI, it’s important to inspect the leather hide for the following issues:
Leather is a natural material, and it can have imperfections such as scars, wrinkles, and blemishes. Quality control ensures that these imperfections are properly assessed, and only the appropriate pieces of leather are used for manufacturing.
If splitting is not done accurately, the thickness of the leather may vary, affecting the end product's quality.
Incomplete or inadequate tanning can result in leather that is not fully stabilized, leading to issues like discoloration, poor dye penetration, and reduced durability.
Inconsistent dyeing can cause variations in color across the leather, leading to rejected or low-quality pieces.
Incorrect buffing, polishing, or coating can affect the leather's surface appearance, resulting in inconsistencies or defects.
Maintaining consistency in leather quality across batches and different production runs is crucial for brands and manufacturers to maintain their reputation. Every product you sell needs to have the same functionality and appearance or you run the risk of disappointing your customers and tarnishing your brand’s reputation.
But of course, raw materials quality is only the tip of the iceberg. You also need to perform various checks throughout the production process to ensure that the final product is free from defects and contains high quality craftsmanship. This is referred to as a During Production Inspection (DUPRO) or a Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI) and it takes place when a portion of the goods have already been manufactured.
Here are some common checks to incorporate in your DUPRO and PSI inspections:
For leather accessories like bags and wallets, stitching and seams need to be strong and durable.
Accessories often include hardware such as zippers, buckles, and clasps. Quality control ensures that these components are free from defects and function correctly.
Quality control verifies that the interior of the accessories is well-finished, with no loose linings, uneven edges, or exposed adhesives.
For accessories like belts and watch straps, it's crucial that they are cut to the correct size and dimensions so they are not too loose or too tight.
To ensure a refined appearance, it is important to inspect details such as edge beveling, polishing, and coatings.
Leather and accessories should not have any strong or unpleasant odors, and they should be free from harmful chemical residues.
Packaging should be aesthetically appealing and protective to prevent damage during shipping and handling.
Having a robust quality control system in place not only ensures the delivery of superior leather products but also sustains the long-term success and competitiveness of your brand in a highly discerning market. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when building out your quality control process:
Don’t let quality issues impact your profit margins and brand reputation. Utilize the expertise of a third-party quality control partner to implement effective quality systems and meet the expectations of your customers.
AQF offers inspection services at every stage of the supply chain: from selecting new suppliers, through to in-process leather quality control, and final shipment. We examine all types of leather goods and fashion accessories including handbags, purses, wallets, belts, watch bands, and more.
Contact us today to learn more or use our convenient online platform to book your next service.